I'm stunned.  How in the WORLD did the IFC arrange this?  I mean how long
have people politely ... begged for people from various companies such
as Marshall Farms and such to attend ferret events and they've declined
because of what they see from the community online?
 
I don't blame them.  They don't see the average owner online.  They see
passionate owners, shelters, and breeders.  They see fanatics on some of
the discussion boards.  They even see nuts on occasion.  But very few
times does the average Joe off the street post very much.  So they see a
very skewed picture of what's out there.  The minority is very "loud" in
other words.  Businesses think that if they go to an event the majority
of the people will not be "normal" but will be Internet nuts.  I don't
blame them whatsoever.  I'd be cautious as well.  Why should they go?
 
But this is the best news I've heard in years.  YEARS.  Finally.  We will
get together to discuss what both sides love ... animals.  We can sit
down and hear each others sides and positions several issues.  And who
knows, maybe face to face we can be open-minded and objective enough to
understand one another.  And wow, maybe some changes can be made.  That
would be cool.  But even if nothing is achieved, do you see this as a
huge step?  It's a seed that we will be able to plant in their minds for
them to consider.  They will take these concerns with them and have them
forever on their minds.  It's a start.  And we will finally have some
facts and some base to go by other than rumor upon rumor on the Internet.
Not that they are all rumors ... I'm just saying, now we can have the
chance to grasp the whole picture.
 
Wolfy
http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com
[Posted in FML issue 4850]